In the third episode of La Máquina, titled "With the Fishes," the narrative takes a sharp turn as the characters are pushed to their limits, both physically and mentally. The episode is a masterful exploration of the psychological effects of the boxing world on Esteban 'La Máquina' Osuna, played by Gael García Bernal, and the moral dilemmas faced by his manager, Andy Lujan, portrayed by Diego Luna.
The episode begins with the fallout from Andy's revelation about match-fixing, a truth bomb that sends Esteban into a spiral of despair and self-destruction. His descent into alcohol-fueled chaos culminates in a night in jail, where he encounters Juan Carlos, a cop with a vendetta against Andy. This encounter plants seeds of doubt in Esteban's mind about Andy's loyalty and intentions, causing a series of actions based on hallucinations.
Esteban's desperation to regain control over his life leads him to seek Juan Carlos's help in dealing with the fixers. His willingness to withdraw money from his son's future to pay off these shadowy figures speaks volumes about his state of mind and the lengths he is willing to go to escape the web of deceit that has ensnared him. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Juan Carlos is nothing more than a figment of Esteban's imagination, a manifestation of his brain trauma and psychological turmoil.
The realization that Juan Carlos is a hallucination is a crushing blow to Esteban, forcing him to confront the reality of his mental state and the consequences of his brain trauma. This revelation is handled with sensitivity and nuance, showcasing Gael García Bernal's ability to portray the character's internal struggle with raw emotion and authenticity. Esteban's decision to speak out about match-fixing on live TV is a bold move, one that could potentially expose the corruption that has taken root in the sport he loves.
However, the attempt to go public with his knowledge is thwarted by unseen forces, highlighting the power and reach of the fixers and their ability to control the narrative. This failure pushes Andy to take drastic action to protect himself and Esteban, actions that have tragic consequences. The episode culminates in the shocking death of Saul, a turning point that adds another layer of complexity to the story and the characters' relationships.
Throughout "With the Fishes," the performances of the cast are nothing short of exceptional. Diego Luna's portrayal of Andy is particularly compelling as he navigates the moral quagmire of his profession, his loyalty to his friend, and the pressure from his mother, Josephina, to prioritize his personal life. The tension between Andy's public persona and his private struggles is palpable, and Luna masterfully conveys the character's inner conflict and desperation.
The episode also delves into the personal life of Andy, with the introduction of his mother's concerns about his sperm count and its impact on his chances of having a child with his wife, Carlota. This subplot adds depth to Andy's character, showing him as a man caught between his duty to his friend and his desire to start a family, further complicating his already fraught situation.
"With the Fishes" is a gripping installment of La Máquina that deepens the web of deceit and betrayal that surrounds Esteban and Andy. The episode expertly weaves together the personal and professional lives of the characters, creating a tense and engaging narrative that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. As the series progresses, the stakes continue to rise, and the characters are forced to confront the harsh realities of their choices and the dark underbelly of the boxing world.